We encourage you to read this devotion three times a
day. Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection
question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon
question for reflection. For the evening, take time to ponder how this
has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening
question. We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we
invite you to pray what is in your heart.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. 3For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Reflection:
How blessed are Cephas, the twelve, and the 500 brothers and sisters to whom Jesus appeared after the resurrection? To be able to see death overcome with your own two eyes and be in the presence of the risen Jesus Christ would literally be awesome. I could even find myself envious of those who saw Jesus after the resurrection in person, but we do not need to envy the disciples who saw Jesus resurrected. Instead, I focus on the ways I see and experience resurrection today.
I have experienced my church go from nearly closing its doors to becoming a vital church that reaches into the community and shares the Good News. I have seen reconciliation between friends and family members; people who were dead to one another welcomed back home with open arms. I have seen people find purpose and meaning in their lives through Christ. In very real ways, this is
resurrection: where there was death, there is now life. Although we may not see Jesus' risen body in this life, we can and do experience Christ's resurrection power at work in us and the world.
Reflection Questions:
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. 3For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Reflection:
How blessed are Cephas, the twelve, and the 500 brothers and sisters to whom Jesus appeared after the resurrection? To be able to see death overcome with your own two eyes and be in the presence of the risen Jesus Christ would literally be awesome. I could even find myself envious of those who saw Jesus after the resurrection in person, but we do not need to envy the disciples who saw Jesus resurrected. Instead, I focus on the ways I see and experience resurrection today.
I have experienced my church go from nearly closing its doors to becoming a vital church that reaches into the community and shares the Good News. I have seen reconciliation between friends and family members; people who were dead to one another welcomed back home with open arms. I have seen people find purpose and meaning in their lives through Christ. In very real ways, this is
resurrection: where there was death, there is now life. Although we may not see Jesus' risen body in this life, we can and do experience Christ's resurrection power at work in us and the world.
Reflection Questions:
Morning:Where have I witnessed resurrection in my life?
Noon: How can I be more open and observant of these moments of resurrection?
Evening: What are areas of my life that need resurrection power? What would that resurrection look like?
Prayer: Holy God we praise your mighty works, especially your defeat of evil and death through Christ's resurrection. Help me to experience and embrace the power of the resurrection today. Help me to welcome the Risen Christ into all areas and aspects of my life. In the name of the Risen One, Amen.
Noon: How can I be more open and observant of these moments of resurrection?
Evening: What are areas of my life that need resurrection power? What would that resurrection look like?
Prayer: Holy God we praise your mighty works, especially your defeat of evil and death through Christ's resurrection. Help me to experience and embrace the power of the resurrection today. Help me to welcome the Risen Christ into all areas and aspects of my life. In the name of the Risen One, Amen.
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